Join Freesat

Freesat has been declared the winner of the DTG/Pace Best Contribution to Digital TV in the UK award after a close fought race.

The Award, created by the Digital TV Group and Pace Plc was presented at the IBC show in Amsterdam last night (Friday 12th September).

It recognises the project, product or service that has made, or has the potential to make, the biggest contribution to the development of digital TV in the UK.

The Freesat service won the award as it has “potential to provide high-definition to millions of viewers at an economical cost”, it is “pushing the boundaries of the specification to improve the viewer experience” and it “should form a vital element of helping to ensure the UK goes through a successful digital switch over process”, according to quotes from the voting members of the DTG Council.

Special commendations go to the BBC iPlayer launch on Virgin Media which was the close runner up for the Award. The voting panel commented that the BBC iPlayer service on the Virgin Media platform “has ignited the UK VOD market”, “is the first successful mainstream example of VOD to TV and as such leads the way to the future” and is “a service that consumers clearly want to use”.

Freesat MD, Emma Scott, said,

Freesat is delighted to accept this award amidst some strong competition. It’s great recognition of the expertise and commitment that’s gone into launching and developing such a great service.

With the support of our shareholders BBC and ITV, as well as our channel, manufacturers and retail partners, we have delivered upon our promise of brilliant free digital TV for everyone and provided an excellent value option for those who want high-definition TV without subscription. We are very much a vital piece in the future development of UK television.

Neil Gaydon, Chief Executive Office at Pace Plc, commented:

Technology innovation has been central to Pace’s success throughout our history and our reason for creating this Award. The Freesat service is an excellent example of how this industry is constantly evolving and how consumers are benefiting from new services to access digital TV services.

Simon Gauntlett, Director of Technology at the Digital TV Group added:

The UK is one of the leading digital TV markets in Europe. We are leading the way in new technologies and penetration of services. The Freesat service is a leading example of how the UK has achieved this position, and why we remain at the forefront of the marketplace.

Sky’s HD service took the honors last year.

Not looking too much into it, but wouldn’t it be nice if a Pace/Freesat agreement was just around the corner. Pace multi-room distribution server anyone?

The Humax FOXSAT-HDR made an appearance at the IBC show yesterday in Amsterdam, where it will remain until the 16th September.

The eagerly anticipated Freesat PVR made an earlier than expected unveiling at IFA 2008 late August, but despite assurances of being a fully operational box, was unfortunately not able to display any content due to last minute inclusion.

This is the first time the FOXSATHDR has been seen in action, and appeared to be sporting a very similar EPG and menu configuration to that of the FOXSAT-HD; but Humax have said that the look and feel won’t necessarily match that of the finished product, as daily changes are still being made.

The sleek black unit with it’s tinted perspex front panel, discretely hiding the navigation buttons will suit most modern television setups and conceals within the very latest PVR technology with 320GB hard drive, allowing for approx 160 hours of standard-definition recordings, or 80 hours in high-definition.

Including dual tuners will allow for very similar functionality as Sky+, minus the subscription costs. You will be able to record one channel whilst watching/recording another, or even record two channels whilst playing back a previously recorded programme. Couple this with the Freesat EPG, setting up to record couldn’t be easier. Humax also assured us that recording ITV HD will be possible.

Connections include HDMI, Optical Out, Scart, 2 x LNB In.

The Humax PVR also has two USB ports, one front, one back and will be capable of linking up to an external hard drive for further storage capacity. The included Ethernet port will allow data transfer via FTP client to your computer, allowing for 100mb/sec transfer speeds; this however is a planned addition for a future roll out, not available from launch.

Release is still on target for this year but they wouldn’t give a more specific date than this. Humax have assured us that they are reviewing the distribution to ensure that all official Freesat retailers get an opportunity to sell this product and that stock can meet the demands, especially when you also have to factor in Christmas.

Images to follow as soon as possible.

Humax have announced that the eagerly anticipated Humax Freesat PVR/DTR will be unveiled at the IBC show in Amsterdam, September 12th - 16th.

Whilst the Humax PVR won’t be the finished product, and may still be a few months off release, it gives a first real chance to take a look at the new receiver; we can’t wait.

You never know, there might be other Freesat goodies on show that haven’t been announced yet.